Children

Children

Adverse side effects observed in children are similar to those observed in adults.

On top of that, corticosteroids can cause long-term growth retardation in young children.

Cortisone is often given to children on alternating days in order to limit adverse effects such as these.

A child treated with corticosteroids may attend school and participate in sports without any complications, unless the underlying disease influences their everyday behaviour.

Some vaccines are not recommended during corticosteroid therapy (e.g., measles, mumps, and rubella).

Common infectious diseases (e.g. chickenpox) can be severe in a child that has undergone treatment with cortisone for many weeks or months. Those children should therefore avoid individuals suffering from these conditions as they are highly contagious. In case of contact, please notify your doctor immediately.